Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Heavy showers. Drove Bell and Frank through Epwell, Shutford, Tadmarton and Swalcliffe.

Took confirmation classes. Visited old John Padbury who is in bed with a bad cold, and Widow Hannah Keene.

Spoke with daughter of late Mrs Coles at John Padbury’s.

Drove to Banbury this afternoon. Paid Dean £20.15. for Charity clothing.

Woolgrove came up at my invitation to settle church accounts to Easter last. Up to that date Mr Woolgrove as treasurer had 2d. in hand.

Alice Holtom of Sibford Ferris came up to say she had to go to nurse a cousin near Enstone and would probably be away three or four weeks and therefore feared she would not be able to attend the confirmation.

Choral Practice this evening under Mr Wells. first for the season. By accident, none of us went. I lodged Mr Wells at Mrs Elley’s.

Sent to Mr Wells inviting him to breakfast. He could not come then but did so afterwards, when I told him we had intended to be present at the Choir practice last night and that it was by accidental forgetfulness that none of us were there. I sent Webb to drive him as far as Tadmarton.

Miss S Dix called. Also Mr Montagu. I walked with him as far as Epwell.

Widow Hathaway of Sibford Ferris died somewhat suddenly aged 83.

Visited Charles Barnes who is suffering much, being in bed, with neuralgia.

Called on Canon Payne at Swalcliffe.

Taught in Sunday School morning and afternoon and attended Choir practice this evening.

Drove to Brailes. Dined at Canon Payne’s this evening; Mr Barker, Diocesan Inspector, Squire Norris and Mr Cookes of Tadmarton were there.

Rev Mr Barker Diocesan Inspector inspected the School and took luncheon here. I afterwards drove him to Epwell.

Confirmation classes at 3 and at 7.

Mr Montagu promised to take funeral of Widow Hathaway for me on Wednesday.

Mr Castle of Oxford surveyed the Heath Farm under the guidance of Mr Thomas Hitchcox and Mr Woolgrove.

Widow Hathaway buried. Mr Montagu performed the service.

I went to London accompanied by Mr Kirkland. Put up at the Queen’s Hotel, St Martin’s Le Grand.

Visited Mr and Mrs Woolcock this evening.

Visited Captain Dutton this evening – no one at home.

Snowstorm early this morning – heaviest in London this season. I was told the snow lay 18 inches deep on Westminster Bridge.

Visited Mr and Mrs Mountain this evening.

Returned home. Annie Martin met me at Paddington accompanied by her cousin Captain Ferguson. She came down to Sibford on a visit. I left Kirkland in London till Monday morning as he wished to attend the services at St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey.